8-23-2022.  Thank you for visiting the website of Big Horn County School District #4. I am beginning year 7 as the BGH4 Schools Superintendent, and I am more optimistic for this school year than ever. We have a great staff, and they are ready to get started.

We are excited to be able to offer a full-day preschool program this year for ages 4+. This is a new program, and we believe it will be a big boost to our students and community.

We moved into new schools the last week of October 2019, and there is still a new school feel. The new Laura Irwin Elementary (LIE at 1211 West “B” Street) accommodates Pre-K through 5^th grade students. The new Riverside Middle/High School (RMHS at 1212 West “B” Street) hosts 6^th through 12^th grades. Matt Jensen is the Pre-K-12 Principal and will lead the academic efforts in these two schools this year. Our new district SPED Director, Katie Seeley, will also perform Pre-K-5 administrative duties.

Most construction projects are complete--our new locker rooms, track, and football field were completed last fall. Our new facilities are top quality. Architects have responded to our building committee and have drawn plans for new football bleachers, a concession stand, bathrooms, and stadium lights by our new RMHS track. We also plan to build a metal storage shed across from the current ag shop. We anticipate these projects being completed by the end of summer 2023.

This district values and maintains strong academic traditions. Riverside High School was recognized in 2018-19 by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 5 high schools in Wyoming. Our 2018-19 Academic Challenge team was both the small school and overall state champion. Our 2020-21 average ACT scores ranked second among all Wyoming School Districts. In 2021-22 our Academic Challenge team was the small school state champion, and Riverside was listed as a top 7 high school in Wyoming according to US News and World Report. We are sending an Ag state champion Farm Management team to nationals in Indianapolis this October.

Riverside Middle/High School continues to offer 8 periods each day--enabling students to bolster their high school experience with additional electives. Approximately 90% of our Riverside MHS students are involved in one or more extra-curricular activity each year. We utilize a Century 21 Grant to offer an after school program as well as tutoring for students.

A District Strategic Plan was developed during 2018-19 with input from students, staff, parents, business leaders, community, and school board.  As a result, admins and staff continue to focus on continuous improvement in the areas of: 1) Learning and Teaching, 2) Communication, and 3) Culture.

BHCSD#4 is unique in our well trained, caring staff with small class sizes: a ratio of 10 students per teacher in our 6-12 classes, and 15 students per teacher in our pre-K-5 rooms. Besides certified teachers we have administrators, counselors, para educators, a nurse, SRO, and secretaries who all positively impact the lives/education of our students and further reduce the student to adult ratio. During this post COVID-19 era (and utilizing ESSER 3 funds), we are employing additional staff to help with remediation and social/emotional needs.

In addition to our regularly vigorous year, this year we are:

• Hosting a 5-year School accreditation visit on October 6 & 7.
• Participating in an OCR Desk Audit
• Fully implementing Computer Science Standards in K-12

Each new school year brings a level of excitement and energy that is contagious. Please communicate with staff and students, and check our website for upcoming events; then, plan to attend a couple more school events this year than last. Students and staff value parent and community involvement. The opportunities and challenges that lie ahead will result in what we hope will be the best year ever for your student/s.

Best regards,

Dave Kerby

Superintendent